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SSC — Staff Selection Commission

Recruits for Group B and Group C posts across central government ministries, departments and subordinate offices.

Official sources last verified

Where the official notifications are

These are the only authoritative sources for notifications, admit cards and results in this sector. Apply nowhere else.

Staff Selection Commission (SSC)The single authoritative source for every SSC notification, admit card and result.https://ssc.gov.in/(opens the official website in a new tab)SSC regional websitesRegional offices handle document verification and region-specific communication. Links are on the main site.https://ssc.gov.in/(opens the official website in a new tab)

What SSC recruits for

What SSC recruits for
ExaminationRecruits forTypical qualification
Combined Graduate Level (CGL)Group B and C posts including Assistant Section Officer, Inspector, Auditor and Tax AssistantGraduate
Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL)Lower Division Clerk, Data Entry Operator, Junior Secretariat AssistantClass 12 pass
Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS)Multi-tasking non-technical staff and Havaldar in CBIC and CBNClass 10 pass
Constable (GD)Constable in central armed police forces, NIA, SSF and Rifleman in Assam RiflesClass 10 pass
Junior Engineer (JE)Junior Engineer in civil, electrical and mechanical streamsDiploma or degree in engineering
StenographerStenographer Grade C and DClass 12 pass with stenography skill
Selection PostVarious posts across departments, at several qualification levelsVaries by post

How SSC selection generally works

Most SSC examinations run in stages, and the structure is broadly consistent even though the details differ by exam.

  1. A computer-based objective examination, usually with negative marking for wrong answers.
  2. For several exams, a second computer-based tier, which may include a descriptive paper.
  3. A skill test or computer proficiency test, where the post requires typing, data entry or stenography. These are usually qualifying rather than scored.
  4. A physical efficiency and physical standard test for constable and similar posts.
  5. Document verification, where original certificates are checked against the claims made in the application.
  6. Final merit, based on the marks that the notification specifies count towards it.

Where candidates most often go wrong

  • Applying with details that do not match the certificates. Name, date of birth and category must match exactly, or document verification fails after you have already cleared the exam.
  • Assuming a State OBC certificate works for a central post. Central recruitment requires the community to be in the central list and a non-creamy-layer certificate in the central format, issued within the period the notification specifies.
  • Missing the correction window. SSC opens a limited window to correct application errors, usually for a fee. After it closes, errors generally cannot be fixed.
  • Relying on a third-party website for dates. Closing dates get extended and exams get rescheduled; only the official site is authoritative.
  • Ignoring negative marking. Most SSC objective papers penalise wrong answers, which changes the optimal number of questions to attempt.

Age relaxation

Upper age limits differ by post and are relaxed for reserved categories, ex-servicemen, persons with benchmark disabilities and certain other groups. The exact relaxation is set out in every notification and is calculated as on a specified cut-off date, not the date you apply.

Use the age calculator with that cut-off date rather than today’s date — this is one of the most common reasons an otherwise eligible application is rejected.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find genuine SSC notifications?
Only on ssc.gov.in. Every notification, corrigendum, admit card and result is published there first, and the notification PDF is the authoritative document. Third-party summaries — including on this site — can be out of date or wrong.
Does SSC have negative marking?
Most SSC objective papers do, though the amount deducted varies by examination and tier. The exact penalty is stated in the notification and in the exam instructions. Read it before deciding how many questions to attempt on guesswork.
How is the age limit calculated?
As on the cut-off date specified in the notification, which is often several months before or after the application window. Calculate your age on that exact date rather than today’s, and apply the relaxation for your category as stated in the notification.
Can I correct a mistake in my SSC application?
SSC usually opens a correction window for a limited period after the application closes, generally with a correction fee. What can be changed is restricted. After the window closes, errors typically cannot be corrected, and a mismatch with your certificates will surface at document verification.

Official sources

Every figure on this page is traceable to the official source below. If a source has changed since the date shown, please tell us and we will correct it.